Types of Financial Aid

Work-Study

The amount of work-study offered to a student in his/her financial aid award is based on demonstrated financial need. Work-study is the "self-help" portion of a student's financial aid award (along with loans). Whether or not a student works the number of hours required to fulfill the awarded amount of work-study is a decision each student must make based on their ability to hold a job while attending classes during a semester. If a student decides not to work, this would increase the expected family contribution.

Earning Your Work-Study

Work-study is not paid in advance. Income is earned via a bi-weekly paycheck based on the number of hours worked and the position salary.

Work-study does not affect the bill directly.

Income is typically used to pay for non-billable educational expenses (such as books, travel to and from home).

A student may earn more (or less) than the dollar amount awarded to him/her. If the student earns less than the amount awarded, the difference would increase the expected family contribution.

It is recommended that students work 10-15 hours per week and are not to exceed 20 hours per week.

Students are not guaranteed a work-study position by virtue of being offered work-study in their financial aid award. All students must apply for on-campus jobs by submitting a resume and cover letter on HamNET, and then the Student Employment Office will forward their materials to the hiring department. The department will then contact students they would like to interview. During the hiring process, each department will give preference to students who were issued work-study as a portion of their financial aid award. If you have questions, please contact the Student Employment Office at employme@hamilton.edu.